BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 3. Chief of Defense
of Bulgaria Admiral Emil Eftimov expressed his gratitude to the
personnel of the First Air Defense Missile Base for their
dedication and contributions to the development of Bulgaria’s Air
Defense Missile Forces during the 65th-anniversary celebration,
Trend
reports.
He emphasized his satisfaction with the prospects for this
branch of the armed forces. “I thank the command of the Air Force
and the First Air Defense Missile Base for their unity in selecting
the air defense missile system and for preparing the necessary
documentation in a very short time to conclude the contract for
acquiring the new IRIS-T air defense missile system. I also thank
the team that prepared the contract last year within tight
deadlines. This is a major step toward modernizing the Air Force,”
Admiral Eftimov noted.
The Chief of Defence also stressed that allocated state
resources and signed contracts do not automatically equate to
established defense capability. “It is achieved when you acquire
initial and full operational capabilities, when you are integrated
into NATO’s air and missile defense system. This path is not easy,
but I am confident you will succeed. We will succeed together
because we serve our homeland and have chosen this path,” Admiral
Eftimov said.
Among the official guests at the event were Air Force Commander
Major General Nikolay Rusev, Air Force Deputy Commander Brigadier
General Dimitar Georgiev, Commander of the Logistics Support
Command Brigadier General Nikolay Kebapchiev, officers from the
Ministry of Defence and the Air Force Command, base and battalion
commanders, former commanders, and reserve officers.
Colonel Tsvetelin Tsonev, Commander of the First Air Defense
Missile Base, emphasized that since its establishment, regardless
of difficulties, the personnel of the air defense missile brigades,
whose successor is now the base, have steadfastly fulfilled their
primary mission – the protection of the country’s air sovereignty.
“I am proud that today our glorious history continues with the
beginning of the long-awaited rearmament process with the
next-generation IRIS-T air defense missile system. This marks a new
phase in the development of the forces, related to infrastructure
modernization, training, and future mastery of the equipment. Its
implementation will significantly enhance the combat capabilities
of the air defense missile units against new aerial threats and
achieve full integration into NATO’s air and missile defense
systems,” Colonel Tsonev stated.
On the occasion of the holiday, for demonstrated
professionalism, excellent preparation, practical skills and
knowledge, and high personal responsibility, the base commander
awarded certificates to military personnel and civilian
employees.